Politics
Zelenskyy says Ukraine will keep targeting Russia’s war effort until a mutual ceasefire holds
Ukraine’s president said his generals were warned they could lose U.S. weapons and intelligence, though he said neither had been cut off. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also questioned Washington’s recent moves on Russian fuel and said Moscow responds to force, not diplomacy.
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that his country wants to end its nearly five-year war with Russia but will continue striking Russia’s war effort until both sides observe a ceasefire.
In an interview in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said his military commanders had received a warning that Ukraine could lose access to U.S. weapons and intelligence. He said those supplies and intelligence-sharing had not been cut off.
President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that the United States was still sharing intelligence with Ukraine and wanted the war to end. The exchange comes amid renewed uncertainty over U.S. support, as Trump has criticized Kyiv and promoted his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy said Putin does not respond to diplomacy and “understands force.” He said Ukraine would keep attacking Russia’s war machine unless a truce was respected by both countries.
Tensions have risen over several recent decisions and statements from Washington. On Friday, Trump moved to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports, a step that caught Kyiv off guard. Zelenskyy called the decision weak and argued that the additional fuel revenue would give the Kremlin more money for its war. He also said the move would not meaningfully lower U.S. fuel prices.
Trump said over the weekend that Ukraine should get a new president who would make a peace deal with Putin. On Sunday, he announced on social media that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a partial ceasefire covering attacks on energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy said he learned of Trump’s claim from social media, while Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities continued.
Asked about Trump blaming Ukraine for high diesel prices, Zelenskyy pointed to the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz as a cause of rising energy costs. That explanation was his assessment; he said easing sanctions on Russian diesel would not supply enough fuel to affect U.S. prices.
The disagreement leaves Kyiv facing questions about the reliability and direction of U.S. support as it seeks an end to the fighting. Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains focused on ending the war and continues to regard the United States as a partner, despite the strained relationship with the Trump administration.